Following the recent publication of the article “The Sounds of Tri-City“, I have decided to publish the answers some of the bands shared with me, giving us a unique insight and perspective into the local scene.
These interviews promise an intimate exploration into the minds of talented musicians, providing an authentic understanding of the artistic energies shaping the sounds of Tri-City. Each conversation is a celebration of the passion, diversity, and ingenuity that characterize our musical community.
The same questions to all the bands; that was the process.
Without further delay, let’s kick off this series with our inaugural interview featuring Adam Piskorz from Czechoslovakia, Gars, and Objawy.
The Interview
How does being based in Tri-City influence your music and creative process?
For years, it seemed to me that living in Tri-City and by the sea somehow influenced me and made me play what I played. Today I think it’s nonsense. I would also play if I lived somewhere else. The seaside iodine does not affect my creative process, I have to release it myself – get excited about certain sounds or musical styles and let myself be carried away by it.
Have you collaborated with other local musicians? If so, how have these collaborations influenced your music?
Just a few days ago, I organized a mini-festival in which all 5 bands from our rehearsal hall played – Gars, Oneoff, Czechoslovakia, Objawy, Dystopian Control and Where is Jerry. I ended up playing 3 concerts, each in a different style! I also played with other bands as a guest several times or contributed songs to their albums, and I also try to invite others to cooperate, such as Mateusz from Żurawie or Emilia from Psychopill recently on latest Czechoslovakia album, which we are currently finishing.
An interesting thing was taking part in the Wolność, Kosmos, Improwizacja series, where the band met for the first time just before the concert and the entire set was created at a given moment. I would love to take part in such activities more often. I think that every meeting with a different musician influences my playing. Inspirations appear unexpectedly. Sometimes a detail can motivate me to completely change the musical concept. Each band also plays a little differently, it has its own specificity of work, its own pace and its own sound.
Is there a specific sound of Tri-City?
I think we are a bit more open to space and experimentation in music. We are also not very good at copying other artists, there are many more original projects, which I think is an advantage. This also means that fewer mainstream things come out here and are more widely available in the country. This would be worth working on.
What challenges do local bands in Tri-City face, and how have you overcome them?
The main obstacle to concert tours in Poland is that we are farther away than Warsaw, Poznań or Łódź. There is not much space to play. We have about 5 places where concerts are held per million inhabitants. Access to information about local bands is also very dispersed. The media are generally not interested in this activity and bands do not really know how and where to promote themselves to reach potential listeners. Most independent music therefore does not leave the rehearsal rooms. Concerts are divided into those attended by 20 people and then immediately by, for example, 500 people. There is no second league – only the first and fifth.
How does the Tri-City audience respond to your music? Are there distinct characteristics of your local fan base?
When it comes to Czechoslovakia, it seems to me that the younger audience, when they come to our concert, reacts very enthusiastically. There is hope in them. The older ones have already heard everything and nothing excites them, except for their 3 favorite bands.
Are there specific venues in Tri-City that hold a special place in your heart?
I really like playing in Desdemona, Drizzly Grizzly and Ucho, now known as Podwórko Art. Apart from that, smaller cool places to play include Pub Torpeda, Paszcza Lwa and Czudner Spot.
Adam Pikorz
“I think Czechoslovakia is different in that it tries to move away from sadness, complaining and whining in its music”
What makes them unique?
Friendly atmosphere without tension. Kindness, good contact and openness. And such people are generally drawn to these places.
How do you describe the camaraderie and competition among local bands in Tri-City?
I think the prevailing atmosphere is one of support, respect and mutual patting on the back. There is probably competition and envy, but I try not to see it or compete with myself, because music is not a sport. I think we inspire each other. Of course, we steal ideas from each other, but rather about how to promote ourselves than what to play.
Are there collaborative initiatives or events that strengthen the bonds within the music community?
You know how it is. Those who are invited to such initiatives feel that they form a great group together and they feel good about it. And those who do not receive such honors get angry and complain that only “the rabbit’s relatives and friends” play, i.e. only friends. I was in both groups. Now I try to do as much as possible around myself. Integrate the rehearsal room, promote my bands, apply and push them if they don’t want to invite me. Unfortunately, you first have to make some noise around yourself for someone to notice you. Not everyone has such clout.
In your opinion, how has the overall music scene in Tri-City evolved over the years? Are there notable trends or shifts?
The scene has its ups and downs. Many good bands have ceased their activity or are functioning on the outskirts. And young bands have not yet fully gone through the period of forming their identity. I think that in general the Tri-City scene as a whole is currently in crisis. Thanks to this, old people who survived, like us, are so expressive.
How do you hope your music will contribute to the musical legacy of Tri-City?
I think Czechoslovakia is different in that it tries to move away from sadness, complaining and whining in its music, which the independent scene in Poland unfortunately tends to do. We are heading towards the sun, although we also worked through the black holes. Currently we want it to be “feel good music”, “sunny & loud”. Not to be confused with being comedians.
